Cuba Highlights: Planning a trip to Cuba

This travel guide includes all of my recommended Cuba highlights and essential information when planning a trip to Cuba. I love Cuba and have travelled there 13 times with stays in Varadero, Holguin, Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria and several trips to Havana to explore the iconic city.

Visitors flock to Havana, a city frozen in time, to see old 1950’s American cars, the colonial architecture of old Havana, to learn about Cuban art and history in a local museum, or to stroll along the Malecon. For a truly memorable experience attend the Tropicana show in Havana.

Throughout the county there are revolutionary monuments, and a dynamic nightlife with the rumba, mambo, and cha cha and rich Afro-Cuban and Spanish beats. Enjoy a Cuban cigar over a Cuba Libre, swim with the dolphins or enjoy water sports like diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, or parasailing.

Cuba Highlights: Top Places to Go

• Havana
• Varadero
• Caya Coco
• Cayo Santa Maria
• Santa Clara
• Holguin
• Santiago de Cuba
• Trinidad

Cuba Highlights: Top Experiences and Activities

Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is the largest city outside of Havana and was once Cuba’s capital city. The city has an interesting history and is known as the place where the Bacardi family invented their rum, the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution, and the burial place of Fidel Castro and Jose Marti. Carnival is celebrated in Santiago de Cuba and the city is known for a strong African culture which has influenced the traditional music and rhythms. Most of the key sites can be found around the central Parque Cespedes including the iconic Moncada Barracks and the nearby Spanish fortress Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro.

Trinidad

Trinidad was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1988 and is known as one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Cuba. Trinidad was founded by the Spanish and is considered a city museum with colonial architecture, narrow cobblestoned streets, and restored colonial-era mansions, churches and courtyards. Learn about the importance of the sugar trade by taking a sugar tour or shop for some of the best handmade crafts on the island including handmade clothing, delicate embroidered tablecloths and garments.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara Santa Clara is a popular day trip from beach resorts in Cayo Santa María. The city is known as the home of the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Monument and is where Che Guevara won the Battle of Santa Clara against President Batista in 1958. This was the final battle of the Cuban revolution after the successful seizure of the “Armored Train” which is now a national monument and museum.

Museums – The Museo de la Revolucion (Muesum of the Revolution) in Havana is housed in the former Presidential Palace with a tank used by Fidel Castro at the entrance. The building was attacked in March 1957 and bullet holes can still be seen in the walls and a delivery truck used in the attack. The exhibits include collections of photographs, flags, documents, weapons, and other objects related to the revolutionary fighting against Batista, and the history of Cuba before then. Havana is filled with interesting museums including the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Cuban Art Gallery, the Rum Museum, the Tobacco Museum and the Automobile Museum.

Santiago de Cuba is the home of one of Cuba’s best museums, the Moncada Barracks. This museum is housed in a 1938 art deco building and tells the story of the first failed attack by revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro on Batista’s troops in 1953. The museum includes pictures of the fallen, a scale model of the barracks and attack plans, and guerrilla artifacts with details of events that started the 1959 revolution.

Visit the Romantic museum, also known as the Brunet Palace, in Trinidad which is a beautiful palace with an Andalucian courtyard, displaying a valuable 19th century objects collection.

Cuba: Best Time to Visit

• Cuba has a warm tropical climate and it is possible to relax on the beach all year round.
• High season is December to March, and this is the best time to visit for warm but not unbearable temperatures, but you can also expect prices to be at a peak with bigger crowds.
• August and July have high temperatures, and can be muggy, which works for a beach holiday but not for sightseeing.
• September to November is peak hurricane season so prices are lower, but you might be caught up in a storm. Hurricanes can occur from mid-May to the end of November and even small tropical storms can develop into major hurricanes which can put you at risk and result in limited essential services.
• If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator and be prepared to cut short or cancel your trip at short notice. Stay informed of local forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities to avoid serious safety risks.
• The rainy season extends from April to October and seasonal flooding prevent overland travel and reduce the delivery of essential services if roads become impassable due to mudslides and landslides that damage bridges and infrastructure.

Cuba: Best Way to Get Around

• Fly – Domestic flights offer a quicker way to travel across the country but are not the best option to get around. Flight times often change at short notice or are delayed by several hours and there can be major delays or even cancellations of flights.
• Cuban airlines have had a poor safety record in the past and few cities or resorts connect directly to anywhere other than Havana. The plane and service are those of a communist Third World country, so don’t expect a 5-star airline. 
• There are two state-owned domestic airlines Cubana and Aerogaviota. Almost all domestic flights begin or transit through Havana. Tickets can be booked directly on the Cubana official website. 
• Coach or Tourist Bus- Many tourists book day or overnight tour or excursion packages where comfortable and safe transportation by coach is looked after by the tour provider. This is what I would recommend as the best way to get around the island. Havanatur or Cubatur are large well known tour agencies in Cuba.
• Varadero Beach Tour and Panoramic Bus Tour offer an inexpensive bus service covering 46 stops linking all hotels, shopping centres, markets, marinas, golf courses, and delfinario to downtown Varadero. Open-top double decker buses are the most practical and cheapest way to get around and there are hop off and hop on busses in several locations in Cuba including Varadero, Havana, and Holguin. A one-day ticket in Varadero costs about $5 USD for unlimited access from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Buy a ticket on the bus which comes by about every 30 minutes.
• In Varadero you can also catch the “Little Green Train” which is a fake replica of a steam train that has a more irregular schedule but costs only about $2 USD per person. It’s slower and less comfortable than the double-decker buses but it does come right into the resorts while the bus stops are on the main road. UPDATE in 2025: I’ve heard that service has become irregular due to fuel shortages so this may not be a reliable form of transport anymore.
• Long-distance bus service is available between cities through Viazul but public transport on the island is generally slow, complicated and subject to frequent cancellations and delays.

Cuba: Essential Information

Visa	All visitors need a tourist card to travel to Cuba. The tourist card allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. The tourist card is generally included in holiday packages provided by tour operators or airlines. If you go to Cuba on your own or transit via another country, you are responsible for obtaining the tourist card from a Cuban government office in your home country or some airports might have it. As of January 23, 2023, a digital customs declaration called a D’ Viajeros  is required for travelers entering the country. You can access the form here. The regulation that prohibits most travel to Cuba by US citizens is the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of July 8, 1963 which falls under the Trading with the Enemy Act. Americans cannot legally travel to Cuba for explicit Tourism purposes but can travel if they have a general license for one of the U.S. government’s 12 categories for legal travel to Cuba. They also need a Cuban tourist card, medical insurance, and a valid US passport. US citizens may not spend money at certain prohibited businesses or accommodations in Cuba.
Time Zone	UTC – 4 or the same as US Eastern Standard Time. Daylight savings time is observed.
Electricity	110 or 220 volts, 60 hertz, Type A, B, C, or L. Type A or B have two flat prongs, type C has two round plugs and Type L has three round plugs. You may need a converter for appliances that are not the same voltage as yours to avoid damage to your devices.
Capital City	Havana is the capital city and largest city with a population of over 2.5 million people.
Sports	Baseball is Cuba’s national sport and its estimated that over 60% of the population plays it. Boxing is also very popular in Cuba.

Cuba Highlights: Local Taboos, Norms, and Customs

Politics

• Don’t talk about politics, the revolution or insult the Castros in Cuba. Free speech is not protected, the communist Cuban government does not tolerate criticism, and you could be reported to government officials as a subversive foreigner. Talking about politics and government with locals will make them uncomfortable as they could be reported as unpatriotic and face negative impacts if they are critical of the government. Understand that tour guides and hotel staff, as employees of the state, are less likely to voice any strong criticism of the Government.
• Don’t bring literature with you to Cuba that takes a particularly negative or aggressive view with regards to recent Cuban history including the government. Don’t bring pornographic literature with you as this is likely to be seized.

Rules and Regulations

• Professional photographers need a permit to work in Cuba and to bring equipment. Never take photos of police, soldiers, military zones or other restricted or guarded areas. Restricted areas are not always signed.
• Drones, walkie talkies, and GPS devices, including satellite phones are not allowed in Cuba and will be confiscated. Electronic cigarettes or personal vaporizers are also forbidden and will be seized.
• Littering is considered both rude and against the law.
• 16 is the legal age to purchase alcohol but it is not strictly enforced and there is no legal drinking age. There is no legal age to purchase tobacco products.
• Engaging in black-market transactions is illegal and can lead to difficulties with the Cuban authorities. Street vendors may offer you black-market goods, such as cigars, or ask to change dollars for Cuban currency.
• LGBT rights are not highly advanced in Cuba and travellers may encounter discrimination and prejudice.
• Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Cuba.
• Penalties for having sex with minors, possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences. Release on bail before trial is unlikely.

Body language

• Cubans find it incredibly rude to blow your nose in public or to spit on the street.
• Cubans tend to be louder, more expressive, and, perhaps, more aggressive when communicating than some nationalities. Direct eye contact is normal to show you are interested. Loud conversations with hand gestures is common and doesn’t always mean someone is angry.
• Puckering lips, can indicate pointing in the direction of a person, place, or thing the speaker is referring to.
• Wrinkling or scrunching up one’s nose indicates a question like “Huh?” or “What?”.
• Cubans tend to minimize personal conflicts by avoiding direct accusations and expressing disagreement indirectly through innuendo.  
• Cubans are generally friendly, inclusive, and outgoing to locals and tourists and being hospitable and kind is a common trait.
• Personal space is close in Cuban culture. It is normal to have physical contact or to touch people even when you don’t know them well. For example, it would not be uncommon for a woman to be greeted with a kiss on the cheek and sometimes for men to be hugged. Touching is also used to demonstrate a point when speaking or to show affection.

General

• Its rude to take a picture of someone without asking for permission first. Some people will charge you for a photo such as those dressed in traditional clothing in old Havana.
• Cuban time is relaxed, and schedules are often not strictly followed such as tour pick up times or bus schedules. Being late for a function or party is common and is not considered rude.
• Casual clothing is the norm on the beach resorts of Cuba but it is not common everywhere. This Cuba clothing guide provides practical advice on what to wear on the beach, on a night out, and while exploring cities.
• Don’t use the word papaya anywhere in Cuba. This word is a vulgar slang for ‘vagina’ and is offensive. Instead, Cubans use the word fruta bomba to refer to this fruit.

Cuba: Food and Drink

Cuba has a reputation for having poor food that is not well seasoned and is over or under cooked. It’s true that at the all inclusive resorts food is served cafeteria style, recycled, and often the food preparation and quality is not that great. Many western style fast foods are served in the resort hotels such as hotdogs, hamburgers, french fries, and pizzas. Ala carte restaurants on the resort usually have better prepared food options. I always bring a few condiments from home including maple syrup or jams for breakfast.

If you do go out to a local restaurant you will find that traditional Cuban food is usually quite delicious and tasty. Traditional Cuban cuisine is a blend of African, Caribbean, Native Taino, and Spanish cooking styles.

Other Foods

• Cuban sandwich – crusty bread with fillings like roast pork or ham and cheese.
• Rice with fried eggs – (Arroz con huevo frito) is a common dish in Cuba.
• Cuban Tamal – Cuban tamales range from sweet varieties to those filled with seasoned meat and sauce. Texture varies and may be firm individual layers or a casserole soupy texture. Cubans use corn leaves to wrap the tamale.
• Yuca con mojo – high carb sidedish made from cassava root, which will be chopped, peeled, and boiled. The mojo sauce is created by heating oil in a saucepan with minced garlic, white onions, and sour orange juice.
• Ajiaco Cubano – a rich stew with varied ingredients but always includes at least one kind of meat, corn and usually some green vegetables.
• Chicken fricassee – Chicken pieces in a tasty tomato sauce with seasonings including salt, crushed garlic, onion slices, chili pepper, bay leaf, and sour orange juice.
• Tasajo – a form of fried dried beef.
• Banana fufu – boiled plantains and a fried seasoning known as sofrito. The boiled plantain is mashed with a fork and mixed with the sauce.
• Rice pudding – (Arroz Con Leche) made from simple ingredients including rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Fried ripe plantain – (Platano Maduro Frito) is deep fried plantain, influencec by African culture with a extra sweetness from sugar or syrup and sometimes flambeed with rum.

For the more adventerous

• Hutia – large rodents that looks similar in shape to a giant guinea pig were hunted in Cuba until they became protected and a permit is now required to hunt or kill them. Hutia are stewed in a large pot and served with nuts and honey.
• Crocodile meat – the sale of crocodile meat is restricted by the government to protect endangered species. Some restaurants may be able to serve crocodile meat with physical defects or hybrid genetics.

Cuba: Health and Safety

Water

• Don’t drink the water in Cuba or drink beverages with ice cubes made from unfiltered water. Bottled water is available in tourist areas and hotels. The local water may not make you sick but bottled water is recommended, particularly for travellers who can get an upset stomache when drinking water in new places.

Healthcare and emergencies

• Emergency numbers are 104 for ambulance, 105 for fire service, and 106 for police. Emergency and ambulance response is slow, especially outside tourist areas.
• You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba. If you don’t show sufficient proof of coverage (insurance policy, card, etc.) you may be required to purchase coverage from a Cuban insurance company when you arrive. All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies. Ensure you have insurance for medical evacuation and hospitals stays.
• The Cuban government runs all hospitals and clinics and there are many well trained medical practitioners throughout the country. However, the facilities are in poor condition and lacking basic medical equipment, supplies, and drugs. Sanitation and hygiene may not be at the same standard as many tourists are used to at home.
• Hotels and international clinics located in resort areas provide medical services for foreigners and the service is usually better than services offered in public facilities.
• Cuba faces severe medicine shortages, including antibiotics and common pain killers. Pharmaceuticals are in short supply and not easy to find and many prescription medications are not available. Bring prescription medication and your own basic medicine in sufficient quantities to last beyond the length of your intended stay.
• No specific vaccinations are required to travel to Cuba but you should be up to date on routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), and influenza.
• Public health authorities may screen you or question you when you enter or exit Cuba, or if you take a domestic flight. If they believe that you have symptoms of a serious illness like Dengue, Ebola, H1N1, Zika or Covid-19 they may place you in mandatory quarantine for up to 7 days.

Crime and safety

Crime

• Cuba is one of the safest places in Latin America for crime but general precautions should be taken. Avoid showing sign of affluence such as flashy jewelery or watches and keep devices like phones, tablets, laptops and cameras out of site.
• Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing does occur. Protect belongings carefully in crowded areas like markets, public busses, beaches and nightclubs and wear a cross body bag.
• Never leave unattended food or drinks with a stranger and don’t accept snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes from new acquaintances. These may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Water safety and equipment rentals

• Beaches don’t all have lifeguards or flags to warn of hazardous conditions so it is wise to avoid swimming in areas where you are uncertain of the conditions. Powerful current and riptides can occur when there are changes in the tide and it may be dangerous to swim.
• If you have an emergency on the water rescue services may not meet international standards.
• Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere to international standards. Look for a well established and reputable company.

Road safety

• Road safety is poor and fatal accidents are common throughout Cuba. The Central Highway that runs across the country is in reasonable condition. Road hazards are typically caused by slow traffic, poor lighting, signage, and maintenance, livestock crossing the road, carts and horses and pedestrians.
• Most Cuban cars lack standard safety equipment, they are old and sometimes in poor condition.

Weather

Cuba is located in an active seismic zone and even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage and lack of essential services.

Demonstrations and terrorism

Demonstrations sometimes occur, even if taking part in them may be illegal. Avoid or leave these gatherings immediately as police and government authorities will break these up, disruptions in transportation are likely, and they can turn violent at any time. Access could be blocked to the Internet, including social media, without notice.

Cuba Highlights: Things to Know

Tipping

Its normal to tip for services in Cuba in restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis. Pay is very low in Cuba and workers rely on the tips they receive to live.

Be sure to bring plenty of smaller bills in your currency or convert your currency to Cuban pesos to leave tips. The Euro is most valued for tips because it has the highest exchange rates but tips in any foreign currency, including the US dollar, is appreciated. Don’t tip with coins as they are usually not exchangeable.

• Some restaurants charge a 5% service charge and if this is included on the bill you can add on an extra tip for good service. A 10% tip is customary for good service.
• At an all-inclusive resort tip the equivalent of $5 USD per couple for an ala carte meal with wait service or $1-2 USD per table for buffet service when you are served a drink. Some people leave a tip around $1 USD for buffet station servers like the person who makes your breakfast omelet.
• For bartenders add a 10% gratuity if no service charge is included. At an all-inclusive resort, tip your bartender the equivalent of $1 USD for every few drinks or a group of drinks. 
• At hotels tip the equivalent of $1-3 USD to porters and bellhops that assist you and tip housekeepers the equivalent of $1-3 USD per night.
• Tip massage therapists, spa technicians, and salon employees 10-15% of the price of your bill.
• Tips for taxis and private drivers will reflect the length of the ride and service provided such as assisting with luggage. Tip 10% of the fare for a longer journey particularly if the driver helps with your bags. For shorter journeys tip the equivalent of $1 USD.
• Private tour guides or tips for guides on sailing, snorkeling or guided hikes typically receive the equivalent of $5-10 USD per person. 10% of the price of the tour is a general guideline for tipping tour guides. Tour guides on a large group bus tour typically receive the equivalent of $3-5 USD per person.
• Tour bus drivers typically receive tips that are the equivalent of $2-3 USD per person.
• Parking valets typically receive a tip that is the equivalent of $1 USD.
• Tip street musicians, performers, and dancers the equivalent of $0.50 to $2 USD.
• Tip toilet attendants the equivalent of $0.25-0.50 USD.

Taxes

• In the past, Cuba charged a departure tax in cash to leave the country. At this time it is no longer required and is included in the cost of your airline ticket.
• There is no VAT system in Cuba but there is a sales tax on some products and services. The rate varies depending on the type of product but is typically about 10%.

Toilets

• Cuba uses western style toilets and most public areas within a city will have toilets such as airports, bus stations, or museums. Some public toilets may not have seats and water pressure may be low which makes flushing difficult.
• Nicer toilets can be found at locations that host foreign tourists such as hotels or higher end restaurants.
• Public toilets might not have toilet paper, so you will need to carry some with you. Also bring hand sanitizer and/or hand wipes.
• Toilet paper is often tossed in the trash instead of flushed but this is not typical at a higher end all inclusive resort which will normally have plumbing that works efficiently.
• Some toilets have a toilet attendant and you will be expected to leave a tip.

Absence of American companies or products

Due to the US embargo, one of the most unique things about Cuba is the absence of American products or companies that we have become accustomed to around the globe. Foreign companies that are owned or impacted by U.S. legislation may choose not to engage in business with Cuba. It’s truly a unique place in the world where you don’t find the American products or companies that are commonplace elsewhere.

Some of Cuba’s key trading partners have included countries with communist or dictator regimes like China, Korea, Venezuela, or Russia. Other countries that trade with Cuba include Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. In Cuba businesses such as supermarkets, gas stations and kiosks are typically state run.

Some Cuba products are similar to American brands but with a different name and others are made in one of the countries they trade with For example, you won’t see Coca Cola but you will find Tu Cola everywhere. You won’t find an Esso gas station but you can find Cupet. There is no McDonalds but you can find an El Rapido fast food cafeteria. Other food products like potato chips and condiments have their own local brands. Besides the classic Amercian cars you will find cars that are Russian made like the Lada, Chinese made Geely CK and also Hyundais, Renaults, Kias, and Peugeots.

Cuban history, culture, and education

• Cuba boasts one of the best educational systems in Latin America with a literacy rate of over 97%. Cuba provides free education from pre-school to University levels for all eligible citizens. Cuba also has one of the highest rates of doctors per capita in the world.
• Many Cubans are considered mulatto, or mixed races, with Spanish and African ancestry and smaller Aboriginal and Asian minority groups. This mix of cultures is reflected in the cuisine, religion, dress, music and dance in Cuba.
• Cuba’s history includes a period of slavery which was practiced by the Spanish empire and plantation owners in the sugarcane trade from the 16th century to 1886. Originally, the Indigenous people were enslaved and later more than a million Africans were brought to Cuba as slaves. The sugar economy continues to be the principal agricultural crop even today.

Shortages and gifts

Cuba faces chronic shortages of many supplies including medicines, fuel, hard-currency, some food, and bottled water. Cubans are very innovative in using what they do have and they are skilled at repairing broken equipment. However, if it is not produced in Cuba, items may be difficult to obtain or expensive for the average person.

Since many supplies in Cuba are scarce many travellers bring gifts for the locals. If you bring an excessive amount, that is deemed not for personal use the Cuban government may charge you an import tax. Medications in original packaging, or items like shampoo, diapers, feminine hygiene products, fishing tackle, clothing or shoes in good condition, underwear and bras, eye glasses, school supplies and toys are appreciated. Lots of tourists stock up on pharmacy or dollar store goods with the charitable intention of leaving them behind.

Jinteros and jineteras

Jinteros or jinteras are considered to be “hustlers” in Cuba. Some Cubans have resorted to hustling tourists to earn extra cash. Common scenarios could include a friendly and pushy local suggesting a specific restaurant or hotel and then pressuring you to go there because they get a kickback. They may also suddenly ask you to pay for their assistance when you didn’t ask for assistance, such as giving directions. Some have a hard-luck story and will make you feel guilty, so you pay more money.

There are also jinteros or jinteras that will offer companionship if you pay for a night out, who are looking for foreigners who can help them to immigrate, or you may be asked directly to pay for sexual favours. Males travelling alone are especially likely to be approached outside a nightclub or hotel grounds.

Telecommunications and power networks

• Power outages occur regularly outside of Havana and touristic areas. I have experienced brief power outages on rare occasions at my hotel and I always carry a flashlight with me at night.
• Telecommunications networks and internet are unreliable and may be intermittent. Cell phones may not work, even in large cities.

Cuba Highlights: Additional Resources

Cuba Travel | Tourism Portal

The Official Travel Guide to Cuba · Visit Cuba

Cuba Travel | Tourism Portal